Definition of 'calculated'

Word Frequency

calculated

(kælkjʊleɪtɪd )

1. adjective

If something is calculated to have a particular effect, it is specially done or arranged in order to have that effect.

Their movements were calculated to terrify landowners into abandoning their holdings.

These tracks were calculated to be controversial and attract attention to the album.

2. adjective

If you say that something is not calculated to have a particular effect, you mean that it is unlikely to have that effect.

...sleek cars calculated to attract female buyers.

Such a statement was hardly calculated to deter future immigrants.

3. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

You can describe a clever or dishonest action as calculated when it is very carefully planned or arranged.

Irene's cleaning the floor had been a calculated attempt to cover up her crime.

...a calculated and coherent strategy for winning power.

Synonyms: deliberate, planned, considered, studied More Synonyms of calculated

4. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

If you take a calculated risk, you do something which you think might be successful, although you have fully considered the possible bad consequences of your action.

The President took a calculated political risk in throwing his full support behind the rebels.

Video: pronunciation of 'calculated'

Word Frequency

calculated in British

(ˈkælkjʊˌleɪtɪd )

adjective (usually prenominal)

undertaken after considering the likelihood of success or failure

a calculated risk

deliberately planned; premeditated

a calculated insult

Word Frequency

calculated in American

(ˈkælkjəˌleɪtɪd ; kalˈkyəlātˌid)

adjective

done by mathematical calculation

undertaken or accepted after the probable results have been estimated

a calculated risk

deliberately planned or intended

calculated cruelty

apt or likely

Derived forms

calculatedly (ˈcalcuˌlatedly)

adverb

Example sentences containing 'calculated'

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He glanced at his watch; he had calculated he would be at Willington Hall by ten o'clock. Lewis, Roy A TROUT IN THE MILK (1991)It was not a suggestion calculated to please the magistrate. Lewis, Roy A TROUT IN THE MILK (1991)

He calculated it would strike directly into the heart of Miami. Armstrong, Campbell MAMBO (1991)